Russia is as vast as it is culturally diverse, so prepare for an adventure. You may need help figuring out the best way to get to Russia, how to get from one city to the next and even how to get from your accommodation to the stadium. No matter what your question is, Rome2rio has you – and the World Cup – covered.

How do I get a FIFA match ticket?

If you missed out on the first two ticket sale rounds, the last minute sales period is your best bet. Available from 18 April to 15 July, tickets are sold on a First Come First Served basis and are subject to availability.

Once I’ve got my ticket, what else do I need to do?

All fans attending matches need to apply for a FAN ID – an official identity document that provides visa-free entry to the Russian Federation, free inter-city travel on trains, and free use of public transport on match days.

The free trains are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, so get in early to register, reserve a spot and get a boarding pass.

TIP: When you arrive in Russia and pass through passport control, immigration officials will fill out an immigration card with your personal information. They retain one part of the card; you need to keep the other to check-in at hotels and for your departure.

Where will the FIFA World Cup matches be held?

Map showing the distances between host cities for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Where are the FIFA World Cup cities in relation to one another?

Russia is the world’s largest nation, so the distances between host cities can be massive.

Kaliningrad and Ekaterinburg are the westernmost and easternmost host cities, more than 3040km apart, with Kaliningrad within a direct 90-minute flight from St Petersburg (634km north of Moscow). Train is also an option.

Ekaterinburg is 1417km east of Moscow and a two-hour flight. Nizhny Novgorod is an hour’s flight from Moscow but also a pleasant day trip by road or train. Samara is 857km south-east of Moscow. Volgograd is 911km south of Moscow, Saransk 513km south-east of Moscow, and Rostov-On-Don is close to 1000km south of Moscow, on the border with Ukraine.

The 2014 Winter Olympics host city Sochi is on the shore of the Black Sea, about a two-hour flight from Moscow. Kazan is 719km east of Moscow.

How do I travel between the FIFA World Cup host cities?

Much will depend on your team’s matches, your itinerary and your budget. England, for example, plays in St Petersburg, Kazan (1hr 30 min flight from Moscow) and Kaliningrad (1hr 35min flight from St Petersburg). Many fans opt to base themselves in one city (or in regional bases outside the host city) to avoid the issue of securing expensive accommodation in other cities, and then travel for free on trains with their ticket and FAN ID.

How does the free train travel for those with match tickets work?

More than 700 additional trains will be provided during the tournament. To take advantage of free travel between the host cities, create a personal account and provide your specific match ticket number. After registration and choosing the route, you’ll receive an email with a boarding coupon. The email contains confirmation of the free travel, departure/arrival times, the number of the train and seat, as well as the documents required when boarding. The free trains schedule can be found here: https://tickets.transport2018.com/free-train/schedule.

TIP: To board the free trains you’ll need a FAN ID, a train ticket, and valid match tickets all in your name.

There’s also free use of public transport on match days in all cities for ticket holders. In Moscow, for example, the free transportation includes buses, Moscow Metro, Moscow Central Circle, Moscow Monorail, suburban rail transport (if the departure or arrival station is in Moscow) and Aeroexpress trains.

TIP: Remember to save your ticket after the match! You’ll need it to get on the train.

What happens if I miss out on a free train ticket?

If you miss out on the free train tickets and want to book inter-city train tickets, you can search all your train options on Rome2rio. Be sure to book on Russian Railways, as external options can attract a hefty surcharge. Tickets generally go on sale 45 days before departure, but discounts for booking in advance do not apply in the busy summer period.

Can I stay in one city and watch all the matches?

Yes. FanFests organised by FIFA will be set up at venues around each host city.

Find all FanFest locations here, and plan how to get there from your hotelhere.

How do I get from the airport into Moscow by public transport?

Moscow has three international airports: Sheremetyovo (SVO, about 29km northwest of the city centre), Domodedovo (DME, 42km south) and Vnukovo (VKO, 28km southwest). Each is well serviced by express trains, buses and taxis, but language barriers, traffic jams and unscrupulous operators can complicate the journey.

Buses are the cheapest but also take the longest.

Non-stop high-speed train operator Aeroexpress (6am–midnight) is recommended by most. If you’re in a group of three or four and not in a rush, a taxi can be a more affordable option – but always book through dedicated service desks at the airport.

From SVO airport to Moscow city centre

High-speed Aeroexpress trains leave every 20–30 minutes for a 40-minute trip to Belorussky railway station, where you can connect to Metro services at the neighbouring Belorusskaya Metro station. It operates 6am–midnight (Metro is open 6am­–1am). Standard adult tickets are 500 rubles (child 5–7 is 130 rubles; under 5 is free), but we recommend getting an Aeroexpress plus Metro ticket for 560 rubles.

When catching a taxi or driving from the airport, be warned that peak-hour traffic jams are common in Moscow, so allow for 1.5–2hr to/from Domodedovo and 45min–1.5hr to/from the other two airports.

Also, avoid those offering rides once you leave the customs area – always book at the dedicated service desks.

How do I get from St Petersburg airport into the city by public transport?

St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport (LED) is Russia’s third largest and is about 23km south of central St Petersburg. The combination of bus and Metro is the most economical option, but not always practical or timely if you have large amounts of luggage.

Taxi or Uber are the most convenient options. If you take a taxi, use an endorsed taxi service (try Kiwitaxi, Lingotaxi or Ruskotaxi) to ensure you are paying the correct fare.

What are my transport options for getting around the main cities?

Diehard fans traditionally meet at a central point, such as the FanFest site, and then walk to the stadium well in advance of kick-off time. Once there, there’s plenty of activities to keep fans entertained. Most stadiums are located on city outskirts, so ticket holders should use the free public transport on offer in host cities on game day. The free travel also applies to and from airports on match day. Catching a taxi to the stadium is generally not recommended due to the large volume of pedestrian traffic blocking roads.

TIP: In Samara, take a taxi or bus; don’t rush after the game in Moscow as congestion is usually expected, and in St Petersburg be prepared for a 1.5km walk from the Metro station.

How do I get to the stadium from my hotel?

FIFA has a list of host city recommended hotels, but the routes to the stadiums will all vary. Think carefully about their proximity to transport and the stadium when booking.

Volgograd has the Metrotram (a high-speed light rail system costing 25 rubles for a one-way ticket), identified by its ‘CT’ logo. It is open from 6am to midnight, with departures virtually every minute.

To find a Metro station, look for the red M logo at street level for your nearest station in the six cities above. Once inside, doors with green signs are entry doors; doors with red signs are exits.

Outside of match days (or for those travelling to a FanFest site),a one-way Metro ticket in most cities costs 28 rubles. In St Petersburg, it’s 45 rubles and 55 in Moscow (but 35 in Moscow with a Troika transport card).

Bus, trolleybus and tram

Depending on time and geographical constraints, buses or trams can be a handy alternative in the cities without a Metro underground network. Timetables and routes are usually at the bus stop. Overground lines usually function at 5- to 30-minute intervals, depending on the time of day.

Multiple-journey and one-way tickets can be bought at tickets stands near stops and stations, or simply pay the driver or conductor when entering. Again, they’re free for ticket holders on match days.

The 14-16 seat minibuses, or marshrutka, are popular as they will stop anywhere the passenger asks. They are usually identified by a numbered piece of paper on the windscreen. Usually costing up to 30% more than regular bus tickets, the fare (advertised on the front of the bus or inside) is paid in cash to the driver. The downside is that passengers must pay on match days, but it could be worth it for the convenience.

Commuter trams

Known locally as elektrichka, commuter trams and trains cover the city and suburban areas up to 150km away. This is the best option if you’re staying outside of host cities as they are free on match days to ticket holders. A round-trip ticket is valid within 24 hours of purchase (except on weekends and holidays). One-way tickets must be used on the same day they are bought and are only valid for the specific destination.

Commuter train tickets can be bought at tickets booths (usually marked with the word ‘KACCA’) and ticket vending machines at stations.

Are there any cheap public transport passes?

If you’re having an extended stay in one city, invest in a multiple pass ticket or plastic Troika card that can be used on all public transportation. They can be bought at any Metro station, in Mosgotrans machines and Svyaznoy electronic and mobile phone stores (including at airports). While you’re there, pick up a pre-paid Russian SIM card to connect to the internet.

NEED TO KNOW: TAXIS

Moscow has about 60,000 licensed taxi cabs – all of which must have a yellow or orange lamp on the roof and a checkered body. Book online or via mobile app, where fare estimates are provided and payment by card is accepted.

Most cabs are cash only. Tipping is not necessary. The driver may help with your baggage but it is not regarded as one of their responsibilities.

Taxis are available at designated bays at airports and stations.

If the car has no meter, the cost must be discussed with the driver before leaving. Bear in mind that clients typically pay for parking or tolls. All companies charge a minimum fee per trip (from 99–300 rubles in Moscow and St Petersburg). Journey costs depend on distance and journey time, but additional fees can be incurred for additional waiting time and leaving city limits. A 30-minute fare in Moscow costs about 500 rubles during the day and 600 rubles at night.

Under Russian law, children under 12 must always sit in safety seats in any car and taxi or face a 3000 rubles fine. Likewise, buckle up (or endure a 1000 ruble fine) and only exit the cab once it has stopped. Some taxis are smoke-free but not all, and cats and small dogs in carriers are permitted. Forgotten items should be reported ASAP via mobile app or by calling the taxi company.

Join our newsletter

Get regular access to our best deals and travel tips in your inbox.

Rome2rio will use the information you provide on this form to provide product updates and marketing offers. You can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us.

Rome2rio, based in Melbourne, Australia, is organising the world’s transport information. We offer a multi-modal, door-to-door travel search engine that returns itineraries for air, train, coach, ferry, mass transit and driving options to and from any location. Discover the possibilities at rome2rio.com